Masonic & Occult Symbols Illustrate

“The meaning of unity-and-diversity in this arena is to serve both the synthesis, which we call the unity, and also to pay close attention to the diversity, which each aspect of the unity represents.... “Let me just comment on the Wesak Festival itself in that regard. Wesak in Buddhism symbolizes the birth, life, and death of the Buddha.... “In addition to Buddhism and Christianity, we need to pay close attention to Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Confucianism, and a host of modern spiritual movements such as Baha'i, Vendanta (sic), and the like. All of them are making their contribution to the religious life.... “The NEW WORLD RELIGION is also a focus of common ground. We have been working on a World Scripture since the 1950’s as a document which people can use to learn to live in harmony with our universal heritage....Certainly we should include some of the most pertinent esoteric teachings.... “May our spiritual work together be an increasingly powerful force in the awakening of individuals and groups throughout the planet to the NEW WORLD RELIGION and the new world at large!” [Boldface and italics in the original; Caps and underline added] Leland Stewart is not the only person looking for a new world with unity and diversity. The Sufi Order, founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan, is an interfaith group whose purpose is: “to spread the message of unity, and promote the awakening of humanity to the divinity in all; to provide a program of spiritual training that brings about a deep personal transformation, culminating in a balanced, harmonious and creative life; to find ways to apply the spiritual ideals of love, harmony, and beauty to the challenges of everyday life; to promote understanding and acceptance among adherents of various faiths, and encourage the unfoldment of universal loving kinship.” Notice that their logo uses wings as well as the moon and crescent.